THE NEW YORK CITY KENDO CLUB was founded in 1976 by a dedicated group of American kendoists and Sensei Noboru Kataoka to cultivate the mind and body through the art of the sword. From humble beginnings, NYC Kendo has grown up as much with its locale at the top floor of the Jan Huus Church as it has with the Manhattan upper-east side community. Kataoka Sensei’s specially developed teaching style and charisma have brought students from all walks of life to enjoy and enrich themselves in this art. At the same time, these students have taken the sport aspect and trained their endurance and etiquette in a continual process of individual improvement. With the internal tranquility of Iaido and the expression of spirit of Kendo, NYC Kendo club provides a great opportunity to understand not only the sword, but one’s self.

New York City Kendo Club has also truly enveloped the needs of the community, adjusting the curriculum to accommodate the life styles of the working class, the school schedules of young students, and the commuting needs of distant visitors. These dedicated students still traverse the long and tiresome path to the 5th floor gym to enhance their lives and to better themselves. With always a welcoming aura to guests and visitors, the warmth and openness foster an environment for us all to share. We celebrate the 30 years of New York City Kendo Club’s time and dedication to the Kendo community alongside our neighbors in NYC and around the world.

KENDO

Kendo means “the way of the sword.”  It is the oldest, most respected Japanese martial art.  Modern Kendo with its grace, manners and athleticism, is the sport that has evolved from this 2,000 year-old tradition of Japanese swordsmanship.   Instead of a live blade, the kendoist trains with a bamboo sword , “shinai”, and protective equipment, “bogu”.  Two can practice together in direct and individual engagement.  It is a balanced exercise that coordinates foot, sword, body, breath, and voice.  While regular practice will condition the body, it takes time to develop the mental control needed to master the seemingly simple techniques.  And it is with this mental alertness that anyone can overcome any opponent.

The ranking system in Kendo takes a fresh beginner from 10th Kyu to 1st Kyu via promotional tests.  Once this level is attained, one is ready to begin taking the first level of mastery at 1st Dan, ultimately seeking the highest level of 8th Dan.  The rank of a student shows a level of proficiency in the art and takes quite some time to achieve.  The late Ozawa Takeski of the famed Mite School once said, “It is so deep.  I did Kendo already 70 years, and finally I feel I am just beginning to understand.” 

Today there are more than one-quarter million adherents to the sport of Kendo.  Regional, national, and international tournaments are held around the world, and Kendo clubs are no longer unique curiosities. The abundancy of Kendo tournaments have brought on many formats around the world: 5 person-team, individual, last man standing-team, and 3 person-team.    

IAIDO

Iaido is the art of drawing the sword, engaging in sudden attack, and resolving the situation as the sword is returned to its sheath. Historically, warriors in everyday life had to be prepared to face an attack at any time: in a narrow hallway, from behind, from an acquaintance sitting next to him feigning friendship, or by multiple parties. Each of the forms is a response to the different situations. Iaido harnessed the ability to be ready for everything while at peace.

Unlike Kendo, Iaido begins from the seated position, with an imagined opponent. The mental training comes in being able to detecting and respond to aggression, and ultimately, returning to the tranquil state. The discipline required to maintain the aesthetic of such a form is indicative of the ability of an individual to focus. As many have agreed upon, the practice of Iaido is quite different from Kendo, but at the same time it is the complement to Kendo. Those truly aiming to fulfill their understanding of Kendo practice both skills.

WHY STUDY KENDO? People begin at all ages for as many different reasons. 

Children have innocent fun playing with their opponent.  While enjoying themselves, screaming and charging their opponents without fear, they lay a foundation of physical and mental toughness that will stay with them forever.  Kendo is a game. 

Young students are just beginning to pique their interests in life, trying to find themselves.  Each practice begins with a passion to learn the sword and ends with a satisfying exhaustion.  They find something here that exists nowhere-else.  Kendo is an adventure. 

Adults practice to develop themselves.   The vigorous exercise gets the body into shape and the challenge of each fencing match keeps the mind sharp and focused.  The all out physical game of youth yields to an economy of movement, subtle strategies and a delicate refinement of techniques.  The stress of ordinary life is washed away while the quality of life is enhanced.  Kendo is a balance. 

Whether you start at 10, being dropped off by a guardian, or at 40, after shoulder and ankle surgery, there is always something for everyone. Many play sports throughout college, but find it difficult to continue. Many wish they started something years ago but are uncomfortable picking up something new and social. Many parents look to play together with their children. Many women come and find a rare opportunity to compete on equal footing with men. Many advanced players continue to practice in the beginner class to learn and to teach. There is no wall in Kendo.

The values of a Kendo player change and mature with age, with a culmination focused, not in athletic ability, but in the ability to understand and predict one’s immediate sphere of influence. But Kendo is not learned over night-- it is a lifetime of learning. But in that lifetime, life takes place: jobs change, students graduate, and people move away. Despite potential hours of commute time, students find some way to come back and to continue. Kendo becomes adopted as a part of life because no matter how late you start and no matter how many things come up, in the end, there is always Kendo.